Below are two reflections from the Sibshop at the Connections Counselling and Consulting Foundation in Calgary, Alberta.  Both attest to the lasting appeal of Sibshops.

Hello Don,
How very exciting to be celebrating the 25th anniversary of Sibshops. Did you ever think back in 1982 that this program would have such a positive impact for so many across the globe? We at Connections, and our partner agencies are delighted to be a part of this larger family, knowing that we’re all able to make a difference by offering this program in our respective communities.
 
I met with our older teen/young adult group last Thursday. They’re now between the ages of 16 and 21 years of age and have been coming to Sibshops anywhere from 2 years to 7 years. I asked them why they keep coming and what Sibshops means to them.
 
Here’s a few of their comments.

• "A place to go where people might actually understand”
• "When talking with others, it’s a non-judgemental, open atmosphere”
• "A place to be yourself”
• "A release”
• "A break from the ordinary struggles of life”
• "Enjoyable, carefree, understanding times”
•  "Great people, fun activities”
• "Amazing; friendly atmosphere”

 
Thank you Don and congratulations!
 
Sincere regards,
Pat Morris, RSW
Agency Director
www.connectionscounselling.ab.ca

Below are reflections from Lindsey Cartwright.  Lindsey attended Sibshops when she was younger and now is a Sibshop facilitator.
 
It has been wonderful to see so many kids attending our Sibshops. I have been facilitating this program for almost 6 years now and it is amazing to see the program grow. Lately, we’ve been running them at full capacity. The reasons for this is that we collaborate with other agencies, enjoy good word of mouth, and because the program is just that good! We have great facilitators who bring so much to our program and wonderful participants who have great insights to share.

Many people wake up on a Saturday morning dreading the idea of going to work...I feel the opposite. I am so excited to go to Sibshops. Each group brings so many different thoughts and ideas and we have so much fun. I attended Sibshops when I was 10 years old and it amazes me how some of the concepts that I learned there have stayed with me throughout my life. My personal experience of having a sister with a disability gives me additional insight to help support the kids in the program. I feel that the most important idea that kids in Sibshops can learn is that they are not the only one. The realization that someone else is going through some of the same things that you are provides so much comfort. 

back to Celebrating 25 years of Sibshops

home page